Saudi Arabic language academy awards winners of children’s competition

The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, a Riyadh-based center which aims to promote the Arabic language, has honored the winners of the Children’s Recitation Challenge 3 at a closing ceremony held recently in Riyadh.

The event was attended by Dr. Bedour Al-Rayes, deputy CEO of the Human Capability Development Program, and Dr. Hassan bin Mohsen Kharmi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, as well as parents of the winners, specialists and employees from participating schools.

The challenge, which had a prize pool of more than SR200,000 ($53,000), honored 30 winners among children aged five to 12. More than than 6,000 children from 33 countries took part.

Omar Al-Khayer, a winner from a previous challenge, delivered a speech on behalf of Dr. Abdullah Al-Washmi, KSGAAL secretary-general.

He hailed the support provided by Saudi Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, who also serves as chairman of the academy’s board of trustees.

“The third edition of this challenge witnessed a great interaction compared to the previous two editions, in addition to demonstrating the talents of young people in the art of poetic recitation, speaking in classical Arabic and providing the opportunity for children with talents to present their linguistic and performing abilities,” he said.

“This challenge enables the general Arab public to see linguistic innovations that are no less than innovations in other fields. All of this is consistent with the strategic objectives of the KSGAAL.”

The first prize in the Children’s Recitation Challenge 3, for SR30,000,‎ went to Saudi Arabia’s Saad Mohammed Al-Khowaiter. Second place, for SR25,000, went to Morocco’s Musaab Abdul-Rahman Abdul-Hamid, while Palestine’s Ramadan Mahmoud Abu Jazar, in third, was awarded SR20,000.

The fourth to 10th place winners received SR10,000 each. Winners from 11th to 15th received SR5,000, while 16th to 30th were awarded SR3,000.